Farmers in western Idlib celebrate pomegranate harvest Farmers in the western countryside of Idlib turn part of their pomegranate crop into a special juice, but the local HTS-affiliated government's restrictions on exports have reduced the prices their product can fetch. Culture
Socialist group criticizes US congressman for Israel trip Democratic Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York is a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, but Democratic Socialists of America, which supports a boycott of Israel, is not happy about his recent travel to Israel and the West Bank. News Brief
UN urges Yemen's Houthis to release detained staff The United States has also called on the Houthis to release Yemeni employees of the US government. Yemen
Egypt’s treatment of refugees in question as Cairo deports Eritreans Eight Eritreans were expelled in October after being in detention for two years without due legal process or access to the UNHCR; another 12 are thought to be at imminent risk. Egypt
Members of Iran’s parliament seek prosecution of Rouhani Conservative members of Iran’s parliament are seeking a legal case against former President Hassan Rouhani over his response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Iran
US says Iran-sponsored hackers targeting health, transportation sectors US authorities and their British and Australian counterparts warned the hackers had exploited flaws in Microsoft Exchange and Fortinet “to target a broad range of victims" across critical US sectors. Iran
Iran increases enriched uranium, prevents inspector access, says IAEA Confidential International Atomic Energy Agency reports have revealed Iran is still restricting inspectors' access to Karaj, where The Wall Street Journal reports the production of advanced centrifuges has resumed. Iran
Israel, Jordan to sign solar/water cooperation deal in Dubai After months of secret negotiations, mediated by the United Arab Emirates and with the assistance of US Climate Envoy John Kerry, Israel and Jordan will sign an agreement next week in Dubai that should help them both to face climate change challenges. Israel
The Takeaway: UAE sets the pace for new post-pandemic normal Erdogan’s offer to Armenia; Iranian commander fired in Syria, while Israel ratchets up pressure; Camels and drought; Marvel’s ‘Eternals’ banned in Egypt and Gulf; Dubai machine dispenses joy; all in less than 1,300 words! Gulf
Famed Syrian singer Omar Souleyman arrested in Turkey Omar Souleyman is accused by Turkey of being a member of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party, aka PKK. News Brief
Oil pipeline reportedly explodes in Iran's Khuzestan region Tasnim news agency reported the blast "caused small tremors" but no casualties. Iran
Erdogan vows to keep fighting interest rates Ahead of a central bank rate-setting meeting, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reiterated his stance against high interest rates Wednesday as the nation’s currency plumbed new lows. By Diego Cupolo
Turkey's war of attrition against Syria's Kurds Alongside shelling and drones, Turkey is weaponizing water supplies in northeast Syria, turning an already horrible situation into a nightmare Syria
Sudan minister says coup reversal 'unrealistic' Sudan's finance minister has warned time is running out for deposed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok to join the post-coup leadership. Sudan
Suspected Israeli airstrikes hit Syria for third time this month The missiles allegedly targeted an empty building near the capital, Damascus, according to Syrian state media. News Brief
Erdogan envisions alliance of Turkic-speaking states The recent summit of Turkic-speaking states has fueled Ankara’s ambitions to lead a Turkic regional economic and security complex, but major geopolitical, economic and institutional hurdles remain. Turkey
